Granddaughter Tells of Dr Luveni’s Legacy
Speaker of Parliament Dr Jiko Luveni will always be remembered as someone her granddaughters could talk to about anything. Dr Luveni’s granddaughter Talei Yasa Bryant said her grandmother was someone who had always been there for her. The 22-year-old was emotional as she described what her grandmother meant to her.
“The last time I saw my grandmother was when I was 13-years-old and she took me on a trip around Savusavu and Rabi. This was when she was giving out sewing machines,” Ms Bryant said.
“I have been talking to her these past years because she has been helping me with political issues and social issues in New Zealand. From my grandmother I have learned to be independent, strong and resilient. I also learned that no matter who you are, you can do whatever you want to do.”
Ms Bryant said her grandmother was someone who was always ready to listen no matter what the topic of conversation was about.
“I am going to miss her advice, guidance and how she never beat around the bush when she talked. I know that she is with us and she was one of the strongest women I knew even if I hadn’t seen her for years, but we talked all the time,” she said.
“My grandmother was someone I could trust my life with. She has always been there for me. When I received the news that she was no more it was hard for me to accept it. I will always miss her because she was my role model.”
Dr Luveni passed away last Saturday. The cause of death is unknown, however, it is understood that she died after a short illness.
She was a trailblazer in advocating women’s interests and participation in national affairs and was the first woman to be the Speaker of Parliament. Dr Luveni was a dentist by profession before she entered politics.
She was the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation before her appointment as Speaker. Prior to this, she was the Minister for Women in the interim Bainimarama Government.
The funeral service is today at the Methodist Centenary Church in Suva at 10am before Dr Levuni is laid to rest at the Lovonilase Cemetery.